I did not have high hopes for this past weekend as S did not get home until late on Friday night and then was to have duty most of Saturday. Rain was forcast...again...and the thought of sitting at home with three restless boys didn't thrill me. On Saturday morning even before breakfast, I packed the three boys up and we went to the farmer's market. That's always a sure way to pick my spirits up. We spent way, way too much money there. But when the cash is going to local farmers and crafters, I don't really feel too bad. The aroma of popping kettle corn filled the air and as it was the first tent we came to. We had to stop to watch the man stir the huge black kettle and of course sample. Next was a table of locally grown fruits and veggies and an older Mandarin woman gave each of the boys an apple to try. They were so good and crisp and fresh, we bought 4 bushels of them. Luckily we had the wagon with us. So, we all four had orchard fresh gala apples and kettle corn for breakfast...not the healthiest I know, but it sure was good!!!
While Zane was asking for his 3rd apple, a nun with the local Catholic Church selling baked goods commented on how nice it was to see kids asking for fruit instead of candy. I had to laugh a little bit inside. We do pretty well with that whole issue of healthy vs. unhealthy food, but we'll see how well I hold up with Halloween and the holidays coming up.
We bought yellow squash and zucchini, red potatoes, the last of the sweet corn and leeks too. Wyatt got a fabric book about firetrucks of course. He has inherited his big brother's fascination with firetrucks. I dont think he really had a choice. We got some lavender and hemp "knight and dragon" soap Ian and Zane spotted. Lastly, we (read that I) checked out a great little booth that I've seen before earlier in the summer called Stranded Sisters. They are two local sisters who make the most wonderful handmade felted and knitted items and Im so glad they have a blog for me to share. I found a great little felted flower pin that will look nice on my black winter coat from last year. Isn't it fun?!?! Check them out and leave a little comment if you get a chance.
After all of the farmers market sightseeing and with full bellies, we waddled over to a great little park and the boys played and played and played. Then home for a nap for the boys and I cleaned and put away all of the fruits and veggies. It rained and rained and hailed. But it was nice.
S got home right after naps were over...perfect timing. Everyone had a little snack of the little leftover kettle corn and more apples. Lord knows we bought enough to supply the entire neighborhood. Ian and Zane have been asking for weeks to visit the "enchanted forest" that we always drive by on our way to pre-school. The rain had ended so we put on the hiking shoes, packed up the climbing gear and Scout and headed off for an adventure.
When we entered the " enchanted forest" (aka Petrifying Springs Park) mushrooms were everywhere. Now, Im not a mushroom expert, so if any of you know what kind these are or if they are edible, let me know. S and I always plays a little game with the boys called "And then what happened?" where he or I start a story and then say "...and then what happened?" and let the boys continue the story. So we started, "There once was an entire world of little people who didnt live in houses. But instead they lived in mushrooms. And rode on ladybugs instead of cars. And they what happened?". The yarn they spun was so great, I should write it down in another post at sometime.
The boys ran and ran and ran, got muddy, whacked things with sticks they found, climbed, jumped and screamed. S hooked up a rope and zip line between two trees and taught the boys how to buckle themselves into the harness and zip down the line. I dont think that I need to even go into details about how much they loved this. Even 18 mo. old Wyatt got to try it out and smiled the whole way down. And S and I sat back and watched it all. It was exactly what the Dr. ordered after a crazed week of S and I feeling like two ships passing in the night. Its never ceases to amaze me how just the act of being in the world that God created seems to heal and reconnect us as a family.
Sunday was a lazy day of sleeping in, more rain, and pumpkin pancakes, cleaning and finishing up this.
I loved the last one I made for a swap, so I decided to make another one for a friend of mine as a birthday gift. And lastly, I promised Kelli a pumpkin recipe last week to go along with her fall pumpkin baking post so here it is:
Pumpkin Pancakes
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg
2 tablespoons vegegable oil
2 tablespoons vinegar
In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, pumpkin, egg, oil and vinegar. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger and salt, stir into the pumpkin mixture just enough to combine.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle over medium high heat. Brown on both sides and serve hot.
Or here is an even easier one for mamas of three boys who are pulling at your apron strings saying they are STARVING:
Prepare pancake batter as directed on the back of the Bisquick box. Add 1 c. of pumkin and a tablespoon of sugar and a teaspoon of cinnamon. Prepare as above.
So, all in all what looked like a royal yucky weekend, turned out to be exactly what we needed. Gotta run again...the boys are all three napping today which is a treat for me. Ive still got to fold two loads of laundry, post Ms. Darla's newest podcast and visit a few of your lovely blogs to see what you are up to. Adios!
** edited so that the Stranded Sisters link works now. sorry! **
